Pergolas are an eye-catching outdoor garden feature that has existed for thousands of years. In fact, a garden plan that is estimated to have been created in 1400 BCE in Egypt features a pergola in the entrance of a garden that belonged to an Egyptian high court official!

Pergolas provide shade, can be used to make a stunning garden focal point, and can provide some privacy while still allowing for openness and a view of the sky.

Ancient cultures constructed pergolas of wood and many modern pergolas are also wooden. At Plastic Lumber Yard, we believe that vinyl is the better option and we are proud to offer premium pergola kits as well as custom pergolas.

Vinyl vs Wood Pergolas

At Plastic Lumber Yard, we offer vinyl pergola kits because we believe that vinyl is a superior longer-lasting alternative to wood.

Although beautiful, wood pergolas require regular maintenance. Wood is susceptible to damage by UV light, insects, and water.

While it’s possible to extend the lifespan of a wood pergola, it requires an investment by the homeowner through staining and painting. When UV light denatures the wood and paint, the paint peels requiring that the pergola be sanded down and repainted or stained every few years. Often the wood will rot underneath the paint. UV light also causes paint colors to fade quickly.

If the wood isn’t treated, water and sun damage will cause rotting twisting, and fading. Termites love to eat wood and wood pergolas are a favorite snack! Termite and carpenter bee damage is a common issue faced by homeowners who choose wood pergolas.

Vinyl Is Lower Maintenance Than Wood

Vinyl doesn’t ever have to be painted, stained, or sealed which of course means it doesn’t require the same level of upkeep that wood does, saving homeowners time and money. Extremely durable in all climates, vinyl won’t warp, rot, or attract insects.

Cleaning a vinyl pergola is easy, simply use a power washer.

Vinyl Pergolas Are Customizable

Our pergolas can be both freestanding or attached to the house. Several column shapes and widths are available, making it easy to match your pergola style to your existing home structures.

If you would like to learn more about how your pergola can be customized, contact the Plastic Lumber Yard office. Please have a sketch with dimensions ready to submit if possible.

Vinyl Pergola Kits Are The Perfect DIY Project

Homeowners looking to save time and money can find the perfect pergola kit to fit their needs! Each kit comes with:

• Columns
• Column trim sets
• Column Mounts and Leveling Plates
• Beams
• Beam reinforcements
• Beam Mounts
• Rafters
• Rafter reinforcements
• Your choice of shade slat dimensions
• All required hardware and fasteners (except for concrete mounting bolts)
• Assembly instructions

Avoid Pergola Sizing Mistakes

When a pergola size is given, the measurement describes the roof size. For example, a 16’ x 16’ pergola kit will have a 16’ x 16’ roof and the columns will sit inside. Choose your size based on the birds-eye view of the desired space dimensions to be covered.

How Long Does It Take To Build A Pergola?

It typically takes two adults with little experience 1-2 days to build a pergola using one of our kits. Your pergola can likely be assembled faster if you work with a contractor. If using add 1 day for footer or pier curing.

What Tools Do I Need To Build A Pergola From A Kit?

We recommend that at a minimum you have the following tools:

• Safety Glasses
• Circular Saw (with a fine-tooth blade)
• Rubber Mallet
• Tape Measure
• Level
• Hammer Drill
• Power Drill
• Ladder

You don’t need a lot of experience to construct a pergola from one of our kits. Each pergola kit comes with assembly instructions.

Do I Need A Permit To Build A Pergola?

Every city and state has building codes in place to ensure safety on a property. While many cities and states do not require a permit to build a pergola, some do. We encourage you to check your local laws, building codes, and zoning rules prior to ordering your pergola.

Where Do You Ship Pergolas?

At this time, Plastic Lumber Yard ships to all 50 states and the Caribbean.

Common Ways That Pergola Is Misspelled

When looking for a shade structure, many homeowners start by doing their research online. There are many types of shade structures – pergolas, gazebos, and pavilions to name a few. But the one that is most commonly misspelled is pergola! We’ve seen a fun assortment of misspellings, like purrgola, purgola, peargola, pergala, and so much more! 

Our team is happy to help you design the right pergola for your home, regardless of how you spell it. Contact us today to get started!